A tragedy has struck the state of Colorado as the state’s House Minority Leader Hugh McKean abruptly passed away on October 30th only days after turning 55.
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. Hugh was fiercely passionate about serving the great state of Colorado and will be missed dearly. Funeral services are being planned and details will be made public once finalized. pic.twitter.com/Yw7ARMTnJv
— Colorado House Republicans (@COHouseGOP) October 30, 2022
McKean was a Republican representative running unopposed for a fourth term and his passing was described as “tragic and sudden,” being that he was only 55 and had no other previously reported health issues.
After an autopsy was performed by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, it was revealed that a heart attack took the life of McKean.
A statement from the Larimer Country Coroner website reported that “On 10/30/2022, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office responded to Loveland, CO to investigate the death of a 55-year-old male. The decedent was identified as Colorado State Representative Hugh McKean of Loveland, CO. Rep. McKean was transported to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office where a forensic autopsy was performed.”
Republicans and Democrats alike issued their condolences after McKean’s passing.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, “I am devastated to hear of Minority Leader Hugh McKean’s sudden passing. A family man and a true public servant, Minority Leader McKean had a knack for making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Minority Leader McKean cared deeply for his constituents, always had time for a conversation or a laugh, and truly worked every day to build a better future for every Coloradan. As a dad myself, I can’t imagine the pain his children and family are feeling at this difficult time. We are sending thoughts and prayers to all of Hugh’s loved ones and take comfort knowing his legacy will be felt in Colorado for years to come.”
“Such a tragic loss for our state. Hugh was a tireless advocate for his constituents and was dedicated to improving the lives of all Coloradans. Robin and I send our condolences to his wife, children, and loved ones during this difficult time,” Colorado Democrat Senator John Hickenlooper tweeted.
While tragic and unexpected, the passing of McKean raised questions about how the tail end of the District 51 would be handled.
CBS News Colorado reported that “McKean was working on his own re-election but was running unopposed in the District 51 race. Because he was unopposed, McKean will be considered a member-elect of the legislature, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office explained. A vacancy committee will meet within a month of McKean’s death to begin the process of filling his House seat. That vacancy committee will be established by the Larimer County Republican Party in accordance with state statutes.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Hugh McKean. May his legacy and memory guide lives for years to come.
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